A dog owner who was captured on video punching and dragging his cowering rottweiler has been handed a five-year ban from owning animals. Malik Zoubiri, 31, was filmed repeatedly beating his pet dog Dyson outside a block of flats in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.
After police and the RSPCA became aware of the footage, an investigation was launched that revealed the full extent of Zoubiri's abusive behaviour. This included submerging Dyson in water and not feeding him for days. Tragically, the physical and mental harm was so severe that Dyson has since been euthanised.
In the footage, Zoubiri can be seen holding Dyson as he repeatedly smacked the dog on his back. He then dragged Dyson by one of his hind legs before wrapping the chain lead around the neck of his visibly distressed pet and pulling him into the apartment block. Police and RSPCA officers attended his property on April 11, 2025, where they rescued Dyson from the home.
This sparked an investigation that left a vet shocked at the physical and mental torment inflicted on the defenceless animal. Zoubiri's abusive behaviour towards Dyson included repeatedly lifting him by the collar, throwing 20kg weights at him, submerging him in water, and smashing his head on furniture. Dyson's owner also failed to meet his needs by intentionally not buying him food, avoiding feeding him for days, and not letting him outside to use the toilet.
Sadly, the abuse the dog suffered caused behavioural challenges, and he has since been put down after being considered unsafe for rehoming. On May 12, Zoubiri appeared at Barkingside Magistrates Court in east London, where he pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences. As well as the five-year ban, he has been ordered to carry out a 12-month community order with 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days. He will also need to pay £500 costs, a fine of £180, and a victim surcharge of £114.
Inspector Shahnaz Ahmad said: 'Animals feel pain and distress, just like we do, and always deserve to be shown kindness and compassion. This result should act as a warning that such behaviour will not be tolerated.'
